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<- 51590 | 51591 | 51592 ->

Vehicle 51591 / 55966


Class 127

Builder: BR Derby Works
Layout: High Density
Length: 64ft
Coupling Code: Blue Square / Red Triangle
Coupling Type: Screw
Gangway Type: None
Engines: Rolls Royce 238hp
Transmission: Hydraulic
Lot Number: 30521
Diagram: 588

Allocations

16/05/59 New to Chaddesden - stored pending allocation (although on lists as new to 14A)
3w/e 26/09/59 Transferred to 14A (Cricklewood)
06/05/73Depot code changeCW
01/05/77 Withdrawn from CW (Cricklewood)
19/06/77 Reinstated CW (Cricklewood)
p/e 24/12/83 Withdrawn from CW (Cricklewood)
Sep-85 To Parcels Sector at LO (Longsight)
circa Dec-88 Sector Change to RPXN
15/05/89 Withdrawn from LO (Longsight) RPXN

Notes

24th September 1989 - Seen withdrawn at Crewe Gresty Lane

The vehicle carried the following numbers:

51591 - original number
55966 - from Sep-85 (parcels conversion)

51591 was involved in the following incident:


10/10/64 - Between Milbrook and Wilshamstead, LMR

Fire involving Class 127

Class 127 on fire after breaking cardan shaft. M51591 (trailing car). 1 passenger killed, 4 injured. The rotating ends of the broken cardan shaft punctured the fuel tank. The resulting fire caused some damage to the trailing cab but did not penetrate the saloon. Examination of other units found that some 40 cardan shafts were bent, probably as a result of careless handling when torque converters were changed, and this was assumed to have caused the failure.


Disposal

Preserved - more details.

Some sample formations the vehicle has been noted in:


51591 59589 59619 51592 As delivered to Chaddesden sidings - 16th May 1959 - stabled pending allocation
51591 59611 59637 51605 Noted 23/08/75 - at Kentish Town1
51591 59629 59647 51635 Noted 17/01/76 - on 23.14 Luton – Bedford (no lavatory)2
51591 59618 59645 51617 Noted 06/03/76 - on 06.15 Bedford – St. Pancras2
51591 59589 59625 51633 Noted 06/06/76 - on 08.20 St. Pancras – Bedford2
51591 59598 59642 51648 Noted 28/12/77 - on 10.25 Bedford – St. Pancras2
51591 59594 59643 51633 Noted 08/09/78 - on 09.10 Bedford – St. Pancras2
51591 59603 59648 51648 Noted 15/01/79 - on 15.16 Luton – Bedford2
51591 59589 59619 51626 Noted 17/05/79 - on 05.05 Bedford – Cricklewood2
51591 59602 59621 51637 Noted 03/07/79 - in St Pancras2
51591 59602 59621 51603 Noted 18/07/79 - on 13.03 Luton – Cricklewood2
51591 59595 59626 51612 Noted 17/08/79 - on 16.05 St. Pancras – Cricklewood2
51591 59589 59642 51649 Noted 27/08/79 - on 22.05 Kentish Town – St. Pancras2
51591 59603 59637 51612 Noted 19/12/79 - on 07.47 Luton – St. Albans2
51591 59608 59645 51615 Noted 17/02/80 - on 10.16 Elstree – Bedford2
51591 59608 59645 51615 Noted 28/02/80 - on 15.35 St. Pancras – Luton2
51591 59608 59645 51615 Noted 07/03/80 - on 12.09 Cricklewood – Bedford2
51591 59614 59622 51606 Noted 18/04/80 - on 23.27 Cricklewood – Bedford2
51591 59589 59644 51620 Noted 29/05/80 - on 16.29 St. Pancras – Luton and 17.25 Luton – St. Pancras2
51591 59589 59644 51620 Noted 08/06/80 - on 16.20 Bedford – Cricklewood and 22.32 Cricklewood - Bedford2
51591 59589 59644 51620 Noted 14/06/80 - on 20.45 Luton – Cricklewood2
51591 59589 59644 51615 Noted 29/06/80 - on 15.03 Luton – Cricklewood and 16.42 Cricklewood – Bedford2
51591 59595 59620 51607 Noted 16/07/80 - on 06.38 Bedford – St. Albans vice loco hauled2
51591 59595 59620 51607 Noted 19/07/80 - on 04.25 Bedford – Cricklewood2
51591 59604 59620 51607 Noted 13/08/80 - on 20.59 Kentish Town – Luton2
51591 59604 59620 51607 Noted 15/08/80 - on 15.00 Bedford – Luton2
51591 59604 59620 51592 Noted 08/09/80 - on 12.00 Luton – Cricklewood2
51591 59614 59622 51642 Noted 14/11/80 - on 11.00 Bedford – Luton2
51591 59614 59622 51642 Noted 16/11/80 - on 21.32 Cricklewood – Bedford2
51591 59595 59644 51616 Noted 19/12/80 - on 12.16 Luton – Bedford2
51591 59595 59644 51616 Noted 29/12/80 - on 23.10 Bedford – Cricklewood2
51591 59595 59644 51616 Noted 28/01/81 - on 2C43 15.00 Luton – St. Pancras2
51591 59606 59632 51599 Noted 17/02/81 - on 2K05 17.44 St. Pancras – St Albans2
51591 59606 59632 51599 Noted 16/04/81 - on 14.00 Bedford – Cricklewood2
51591 59606 59632 51599 Noted 25/04/81 - on 12.06 St. Albans – Bedford2
51591 59606 59632 51599 Noted 11/05/81 - on 23.14 Luton – Bedford2
51591 59606 59632 51605 Noted 24/05/81 - on 06.42 Cricklewood – Bedford2
51591 59606 59632 51605 Noted 25/05/81 - on 12.00 Bedford – Luton2
51591 59600 59639 51599 Noted 12/07/81 - on 19.50 Bedford – Cricklewood2
51591 59608 59641 51614 Noted 12/10/81 - on 02.30 Bedford – Cricklewood2
51591 59593 59646 51595 Noted 01/02/82 - on 22.34 Cricklewood – Bedford2
51591 59631 59639 51595 Noted 29/03/82 - on 11.36 Hendon – St. Pancras2
51591 59592 59643 51600 Noted 25/04/82 - on 10.22 Cricklewood – St. Pancras2
51591 59592 59643 51600 Noted 21/05/82 - on 10.16 Luton – Bedford2
51591 59590 59633 51618 Noted 02/08/82 - on 06.15 Bedford – Cricklewood2
51591 59612 59633 51618 Noted 06/08/82 - on 18.25 Cricklewood – Bedford2
51591 59612 59633 51618 Noted 10/08/82 - on 06.15 Bedford – Cricklewood2
51591 59612 59633 51618 Noted 24/08/82 - on 10.09 Cricklewood – Luton2
51591 59604 59622 51607 Noted 29/09/82 - on 16.03 Luton – Cricklewood2
51591 59604 59622 51603 Noted circa 10/19823
51591 59604 59622 51607 Noted 03/11/82 - on 15.00 Luton – Cricklewood2
51591 59636 59614 51622 Noted circa 12/19823
51591 59614 59636 51622 Noted 07/12/82 - on 17.25 Luton – Cricklewood2
51591 59614 59636 51622 Noted 09/12/82 - on 17.25 Luton – Cricklewood2
51591 59636 59614 51622 Noted circa 01/19833
51591 59614 59636 51622 Noted 07/01/83 - on 12.09 Cricklewood – Luton2
51591 59602 59644 51596 Noted 17/02/83 - on 20.10 Bedford – Cricklewood2
51591 59602 59644 51596 Noted 22/02/83 - on 20.10 Bedford – Cricklewood2
51591 59602 59644 51596 Noted 26/02/83 - on 02.06 Cricklewood – Bedford2
51591 59631 59608 51618 Noted circa 05/19833
51591 59608 59631 51618 Noted 02/06/83 - on 03.31 Cricklewood – Bedford2
51591 59608 59631 51618 Noted 21/06/83 - on 01.45 Bedford – St. Pancras2
51591 59637 51611 Noted 22/10/1983 - Gospel Oak - Barking line3
11 55966 55967 Formation change - LO - circa Sep-85
920 55966 55967 Listed at Longsight - Summer 1986 - Parcels
920 55966 55967 Noted 13/05/89 - with set 915 (55975 + 55985) at Northampton

Formation Sources
1: Gerald Brown
2: Phil Shatford
3: Eddie Knorn

Images:

Inside a Class 127 DMU

circa May 1959

An official image (Sam Lambert Collection, negative unknown) showing the interior of M51591 (DMBS from a suburban quad set for St Pancras, later Class 127), circa May 1959. This is taken at the cab end looking towards the van (behind the solid bulkhead). A swing door would later be added to the bulkhead with the windows (and a seat removed on either side). British Railways.

Class 127 DMU at Cricklewood Carriage sidings

circa May 1959

An official image (Sam Lambert Collection, negative unknown) showing a side view of M51591 (DMBS from a suburban quad set for St Pancras, later Class 127). Cricklewood Carriage sidings, circa May 1959. British Railways.

Class 127 DMU at Cricklewood Carriage sidings

circa May 1959

An official image (Sam Lambert Collection, negative unknown) showing a suburban quad set for St Pancras, later Class 127 with M51591 closest. Cricklewood Carriage sidings, circa May 1959. British Railways.

Class 127 DMU at Cricklewood Carriage sidings

circa May 1959

An official image (Sam Lambert Collection, negative unknown) showing the front end of M51591 (DMBS from a suburban quad set for St Pancras, later Class 127). Cricklewood Carriage sidings, circa May 1959. British Railways.

Class 127 DMU at Derby Etches Park

May 1983

Class 127 DMBS M51591 at Derby Etches Park after repainting into green livery in May 1983. Michael Boot.

Class 127 DMU at Derby Etches Park

May 1983

51591 Standing in Etches Park on release from Derby C&W May 1983. Last C3 Repair with the added plates indicating she had done 1,250, 000 miles Michael Boot.

Class 127 DMU at Etches Park depot

May 1983

The cab front of 51591 after painting into green livery in May 1983. Taken at Etches Park depot. Michael Boot.

Class 127 DMU at Leicester

18th May 1983

Class 127 DMBS 51591 seen being hauled by a peak at Leicester. It, and the blue car behind, appears to be ex-works. 18th May 1983. Eastwestdivide.

Class 127 DMU at Bedford

July 1983

Class 127 DMBS M51591 in green livery in the sidings at Bedford. Taken in the week 4th-8th July 1983. John Crooks.

Class 127 DMU at St.Pancras

9th July 1983

Doyen class 127 DMBS M51591 arriving at St.Pancras, recently gaining green livery. HST power car 43156 visible beyond. Saturday 9th July 1983 Iain Reid.

Class 127 DMU at Bedford Carriage

Unknown date

M51591 at Bedford Carriage. Date unknown. Ian McDonald.

Class 127 DMU at Bedford Carriage

Unknown date

M51591 at Bedford Carriage. Date unknown. Ian McDonald.

Class 127 DMU at Bedford Carriage

Unknown date

M51591 at Bedford Carriage. Date unknown. Ian McDonald.

Class 127 DMU at Bedford Carriage

Unknown date

M51591 at Bedford Carriage. Date unknown. Ian McDonald.

Class 127 DMU at Carlisle Citadel

1985

Life After Death. Converted Class 127 Parcels DMU stabled in the bay at the north end of Carlisle Citadel station. After withdrawal, a number of Class 127 vehicles were eventually stored at Carlisle Kingmoor Yard. Railcar shows the work to convert some vehicles to parcels use was undertaken at Carlisle Currock. M55966 is presumably coupled cab to cab with M55967. Probably Autumn 1985. alicia hartman.

Class 127 DMU at Carlisle Currock

Autumn 1985

Reclaimed from the National Railway Museum, M51591 freshly repainted at Carlisle Currock after its conversion to a parcel unit in autumn 1985. The vehicle number still has to applied - it will become 55966. The roller shutter doors have not been fitted at this stage. Michael Boot.

Class 127 DMU at Longsight depot

October 1985

The cab front of the green Class 127 DPU at Longsight depot in early October 1985. Which of the two vehicles is it? 55966 only had one windscreen wiper and two overhead warning flashes, the other power car had two wipers and one flash. There are some differences from its 1983 repaint into green, at that time red triangles were painted onto the jumper sockets, and there was no black edging to the top cream lining. Michael Boot.

Inside a Class 127 DMU

October 1985

The interior of a Class 127 DPU, thought to be 55966, in early October 1985. This looks from the front of the vehicle towards the rear. Michael Boot.

Class 127 DMU at Longsight depot

early October 1985

Set number: 920

Set 920 55966 & 55967 Ex 51591 & 51610 standing at Longsight after conversion at Carlisle Currock in early October 1985. These units were incidental in keeping Longsight TMD open, this was down to the wheel drop. It was the only depot that the Twin Disc Torque Converter and Rolls Royce 823 engine could be changed as a unit. Longsight was the owning/maintaining depot with servicing at outstations. Michael Boot.

Detail of a Class 127 DMU

October 1985

The newly fitted roller shutter door on the drivers side of 55966, shown in the closed position. Taken at Longsight depot in early October 1985. Note the plated over bodyside windows are painted in green gloss but the plated over droplights on the doors are matt black. Michael Boot.

Detail of a Class 127 DMU

October 1985

The newly fitted roller shutter door on the drivers side of 55966, shown in the open position. Taken at Longsight depot in early October 1985. Michael Boot.

Inside a Class 127 DMU

October 1985

A roller shutter door fitted to a Class 127 DPU, thought to be 55966, in early October 1985. The white brackets held timber beams to protect them from runaway BRUTEs and protect the staff of the doors were open when not in a platform. Michael Boot.

Inside a Class 127 DMU

October 1985

The front end of a Class 127 DPU, thought to be 55966, in early October 1985. Note the emergency tool cupboard beside the van, and the chequer plate floor strenthening for BRUTEs is only it this end of the vehicle (they could also be loaded in the van). Michael Boot.

Inside a Class 127 DMU

October 1985

The interior of a Class 127 DPU, thought to be 55966. This is looking from the rear of the vehicle towards the cab. At this end there are timber strips at floor level to prevent BRUTEs from damaging the bodysides. The two metal boxes are covers to protect the radiator header tanks. Michael Boot.

Inside a Class 127 DMU

October 1985

The interior of a Class 127 DPU 55966, in early October 1985. This is taken in the guards van looking to the front of the vehicle, and shows the large cut out added to the partition (which was solid in passenger days) to allow BRUTEs to pass through. Michael Boot.

Class 127 DMU at Manchester Victoria

Unknown date

Set number: 920

55966 (51591) is on the rear of parcels set 920 at Manchester Victoria. Undated. Malcolm Clements.

Detail of a Class 127 DMU

Unknown date

The plaque carried on 51591/55966 from 1983 when it was painted into a retro-green livery. Mike Bunker.

Class 127 DMU at Croft Sidings, Preston

2nd March 1986

Set number: 920

Former Bedford-St Pancras Class 127 Driving cars now with roller shutter doors as M55966 + M55967. The unit was stabled at Croft Street Sidings adjacent to the Preston Power Box on March 2nd 1986. One of 11 similar units converted, Set 920 was finished in retro BR Green livery. The nearest car in this view had been turned-out in green for its last period of passenger service when allocated to Cricklewood Depot. The unit was adorned with a plaque commemorating "The First Unit, 1,250,000 miles, Bedford-St Pancras". Following replacement by new Class 317 EMU's, car M51591 was selected for the National Collection at York, but when BR were short of one car to complete the 11 Parcel Units, the NRM handed the car back for conversion. As a consolation the finished unit (920) was finished in BR Green. Martyn Hilbert.

Class 127 DMU at Chester depot

21st April 1986

Set number: 920

Class 127 parcels set 55966 + 55967 at Chester depot on the 21st April 1986. Hamish Stevenson.

Class 127 DMU at Southport

6th July 1986

Set number: 920

Parcels conversion 55966 / 55967 at Southport on 6 June 1986. Jerry Glover.

Class 127 DMU at Buxton

Unknown date

55966 at Buxton. Date unknown. Chris Lings.

Class 127 DMU at Bletchley

1987

Set number: 920

The plaque fitted to 55966 (ex-51591) celebrating it's high mileage - an average of 52,000 miles a year, a thousand miles a week! Graham Baker.

Class 127 DMU at Bletchley

1987

Set number: 920

The drivers controls of a Class 127. This was 55966 at Bletchley in 1987. Graham Baker.

Class 127 DMU at Bletchley

1987

Set number: 920

Retro-green Class 127 parcels vehicle 55966 at Bletchley in 1987. Graham Baker.

Class 127 DMU at Preston

30th March 1987

Set number: 920

55966 & 55967 at Preston at 11.20pm on 30/03/1987 about to head south on a parcels service Deane Baker.

Class 127 DMU at Preston

22nd May 1987

Set number: 920

55966, 55967 and 47357 in Preston station on 22-05-87. Vincent Haworth.

Class 127 DMU at Buxton

10th June 1988

Set number: 920

Seen at Buxton on the 10th June 1988 is Longsight allocated Class 127 parcels DMU set 920, 55966 (51591) closest. The plaque by the drivers window reads "1959 1,250,000 miles 1983". Andrew J Crowther.

Class 127 DMU at Crewe

circa August 1988

Set number: 920

Derby class 127 2-car diesel-hydraulic parcels unit 920 (M55966 & M55967) of Longsight Diesel TMD at Crewe station - circa 08/1988. 53A Models of Hull Collection.

Class 127 DMU at Bletchley

29th August 1988

Set number: 920

In 1985, 22 redundant power Class 127 ex-Bedford-St.Pancras (Bed Pan) diesel-hydraulic cars, including the first built, No.51591, were rebuilt to form 11 two-car parcels units and repainted into BR green livery. Vehicles were renumbered 55966-987, and formed into sets 910 to 920. They were fitted with roller shutter doors and were based at Chester depot. They lasted in service until withdrawal in 1989. Unit 55966, seen here at Bletchley on 29th August 1988 in the company of 55967, was converted from unit 'Bed-Pan' unit No.51591, and was subsequently preserved at the Midland Railway Centre upon withdrawal from BR service. Gordon Edgar.

Class 127 DMU at Manchester Victoria

8th October 1988

Set number: 920

The plaque records that as M51591 it achieved 1.25 million miles in service, taken at Manchester Victoria on 8/10/88. Paul Moxon.

Class 127 DMU at Tyseley

8th April 1989

Set number: 920

Class 127 55966, set number 920, is seen stabled at Tyseley on 08.04.1989 carrying green livery with Express Parcels logos, but the red plaques have been removed. Andy Cole.

Class 127 DMU at Tyseley

8th April 1989

Set number: 920

Class 127 55966, set number 920, is seen stabled at Tyseley on 08.04.1989 carrying green livery with Express Parcels logos, but the red plaques have been removed. Andy Cole.

Class 127 DMU at Finedon

12th April 1989

Set number: 920

Converted class 127 M55966 + M55967 heads south past the site of Finedon station on the 12th April 1989. Mike Dean.

Class 127 DMU at Northampton

13th May 1989

Set number: 920

On Saturday 13th May 1989 sets 915 (furthest, 55975 + 55985) and 920 (55966 + 55967) pass up the centre Road at Northampton Station. AndrewHA.

Class 127 DMU at Crewe

29th December 1989

Set number: 920

Class 127 parcels units stored at Crewe on 29th December 1989, including green vehicle 55966, which has had its "1,250,000 miles" plaque removed. Michael Kaye 55A.

Class 127 DMU at Crewe

29th December 1989

Set number: 920

Class 127 parcels vehicles stored at Crewe on 29th December 1989, including green set 920 formed of 55966 and 55967. Michael Kaye 55A.

Class 127 DMU at Crewe Basford Hall

January 1990

Set number: 920

55966 at Crewe Basford Hall in January 1990. Note the 'B' after the set number - its partner 55967 carried the letter 'A'. S Gaskell.


The vehicle is mentioned in the following images:

DMU

Date: October 1985

Class 127 DPU 55967 + 55966 at Longsight depot in early October 1985, fresh from conversion at Carlisle Currock. They have yet to receive their set number (920) and Red Star bodyside stickers. Michael Boot.

DMU

Date: 21st April 1986

Set number: 920

Class 127 parcels set 55967 + 55966 at Chester depot on the 21st April 1986. Hamish Stevenson.

DMU

Date: circa mid-1986

Set number: 920

Retro-green Class 127 parcel DMU set 920 (55967 + 55966) on Chester depot circa mid-1986. Mike Bunker.

DMU

Date: circa mid-1986

Set number: 920

Retro-green Class 127 parcel DMU set 920 (55967 + 55966) in Liverpool Lime Street station circa mid-1986. Mike Bunker.

DMU

Date: 19th July 1986

Set number: 920

Retro-green parcels set 55967 / 55966 at the Carlisle Upperby open day on 19/7/86. Paul Moxon.

DMU

Date: 19th July 1986

Set number: 920

Retro-green parcels set 55967 / 55966 at the Carlisle Upperby open day on 19/7/86. Jerry Glover.

DMU

Date: October 1986

Set number: 920

Class 127 diesel-hydraulic parcels unit set 920 (55967 55966) arriving at Manchester Victoria. October 1986. Ian Charles.

DMU

Date: 12th July 1987

Set number: 920

Class 127 Parcels unit 55967 (ex-51610) + 55966 (ex-51591) at Doncaster on 12 July 1987. Rob Paterson.

DMU

Date: circa 1988

Set number: 920

Retro-green converted Class 127 parcels DMU set 920 (55967 + 55966) in platform 3B at Preston in the late 1980s. Curly42.

DMU

Date: 10th June 1988

Set number: 920

Longsight allocated Class 127 parcels set 920, 55967 (ex-51610) + 55966 (ex-51591) at Buxton on the 10th June 1988. Andrew J Crowther.

DMU

Date: 20th August 1988

Set number: 918

When the Class 127 DMUs finally bowed out of the St. Pancras - Bedford services, 22 power cars were resurrected from store at Carlisle Upperby (one of them, the pioneer 51591, was re-claimed from the NRM) and converted for parcels use. They were formed into 11 two car sets and allocated to Longsight in Manchester. Here set 918 with 55978 at the rear of 55968 is being led by set 912 (55972 & 55982) at Stafford, 20/Aug/1988. Robert Chilton.

DMU

Date: 8th October 1988

Set number: 920

55967 paired with 55966, displaying a headcode for either a Man Vic-Barrow or Preston van train, they were stabled at Manchester Victoria on 8/10/88. Paul Moxon.

DMU

Date: 25th February 1989

Set number: 920

Class 127 parcels set 920 (55967 + 55966) at Crewe on 25-2-89. Stuart Mackay Collection.

DMU

Date: 6th May 1989

Set number: 920

Class 127 parcels set 920 formed 55967 and 55966, with another set in standard Red Star livery and a tail load forming the 3V20 Manchester Piccadilly - Bristol Temple Meads at Crewe on 6/May/1989 despite what the headcode says. The blue pair appear to be a scratch set containing two former Newspapers 'A' cars (no bodyside branding), fairly common towards the end of 127 parcels operations to keep things going - there is barely a week left before all were withdrawn. They also have mismatching Red Star logos. Both the green vehicles were preserved, the leading car 55967 (formerly 51610) went to Rogart Station and the second vehicle 55966 (formerly the pioneer class 127 51591) went to the Midland Railway - Butterley where another parcels 127 no. 55976 (formerly 51625) had been acquired and painted green to match. Many years later 51610 was sold from Rogart and joined the other two at the Midland Railway - Butterley. Image copyright © John Griffiths, published with Robert Chilton Collection.

DMU

Date: 13th May 1989

Set number: 915

At approx 1500hrs on Saturday 13th May 1989 sets 915 (55975 + 55985) and 920 (55966 + 55967) creep slowly up the centre Road at Northampton Station. Their destination unknown, by 1100hrs the following Day all 4 cars were tucked up inside the DMU Shed at Manchester's Longsight Depot. AndrewHA.

DMU

Date: 8th July 1989

Set number: 920

Three withdrawn Class 127 parcel sets sit around the back of the goods shed at Gresty Lane, Crewe on 8th July 1989. Closest is the green set 55967 / 55966. Paul James.

DMU

Date: 24th September 1989

Set number: 920

Set 920 M55967 + M55966 stored out of service at Crewe Gresty Lane 24-9-89. Kevin Dowd.

DMU

Date: 30th September 1989

Set number: 920

M55967, ex Class 127 DMU M51610, converted for parcels use with the addition of roller shutter doors, sits around the back of the goods shed at Gresty Lane, Crewe, on 30September 1989. It carries the set number 920, it's partner is M55966, and there are another two Class 127 parcel set behind in blue. Paul James.